Marvel’s anticipated new take on “Blade” has officially lost its spot on Disney’s release calendar, leaving fans and followers in a state of uncertainty. Originally scheduled to debut on November 7, 2025, the film starring Mahershala Ali has faced significant bumps along the road, and now it appears to be stalled indefinitely. However, amidst this disappointment lies a silver lining. Disney has chosen to fill the void with an exciting new project: a fresh addition to the “Predator” franchise titled “Predator: Badlands.” Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who helmed the celebrated “Prey,” this film now takes over the release date once held by “Blade.” Unlike “Prey,” which bypassed theaters and went straight to Hulu in 2022—a move many considered a missed opportunity—this new installment is set for a theatrical release, signaling Disney’s confidence in its potential.
The persistent setbacks for “Blade” have left many questioning whether it will ever come to fruition. This struggle has seen multiple directors come and go, with Yann Demange being the latest to exit the project. It’s worth noting that Mahershala Ali, who first donned the Blade mantle back at San Diego Comic-Con in 2019, has invested considerable time in this role, yet frustrations have bubbled up, to the point where he nearly stepped away from the film earlier this year. His recent involvement in projects like “Jurassic World Rebirth” hinted at his growing impatience with the long-delayed development process.
Meanwhile, the excitement surrounding “Predator” seems to be building. With “Prey” garnering strong praise from both critics and fans, Trachtenberg’s return as director for “Badlands” brings promise. Currently, details about the film’s plot are under wraps, but it’s confirmed that it won’t serve as a direct sequel to “Prey” and will introduce audiences to a new set of characters and a different setting. Expect “Predator: Badlands” to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, as the franchise looks to regain its footing.
As it stands, Marvel’s cinematic landscape will feature three films in 2025: “Captain America: Brave New World” in February, “Thunderbolts” in May, and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in July. Perhaps waiting a bit longer to reintroduce “Blade” could be beneficial, especially with fans recently reigniting their fondness for Wesley Snipes’ return in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” For now, all eyes are on the future of “Predator” and the uncertain fate of “Blade.”
